When he attended an outdoor adventure camp, Mark became proficient at identifying animal tracks.

"Red Sox catcher Ryan Lavarnway was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Sunday…. Always proficient at the plate, Lavarnway did have an impressive spring batting, with a .429/.488/.486 line in 35 at-bats." — From an article by Evan Drellic at MLB.com, April 1, 2012

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If you are proficient or adept at something you are skillful — perhaps even expert. "Proficient," "adept," "skillful," and "expert" are all synonyms, but subtle differences can be discerned between these terms as well. "Proficient" usually describes pure ability that comes from training and practice ("a proficient writer"). "Adept" suggests an innate ability as well as a learned skill ("an adept card player"). "Skillful" suggests being very able at a particular task ("a skillful surgeon"). "Expert" suggests having a thorough knowledge of a subject as well as being very skillful at working in it ("expert in the martial arts").

Test Your Memory: What is the meaning of "torrid," our Word of the Day from May 8? The answer is …